❓ Hon Steve Martin questions the adequacy and planning behind the $50 million transition package for the native hardwood timber industry following its closure. The Minister's response outlines a collaborative approach to developing a transition plan.
AnsweredQoN 706Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
NATIVE FOREST — LOGGING — TRANSITION
PACKAGE
706. Hon STEVE MARTIN to the minister representing the
Minister for Forestry:
I refer to the government's
announcement of a $50 million transition package for the native hardwood timber
industry following last week's announcement to close the industry.
(1) Did the government
undertake any consultation or modelling to determine whether $50 million was
the appropriate amount for the transition package?
(2) If yes to
(1), will the government table that document; and, if no to (1), why not?
(3) How many
businesses and jobs does the government expect to support with this package?
(4) For how long
will the $50 million allocation of funds be provided to the sector?
PACKAGE
706. Hon STEVE MARTIN to the minister representing the
Minister for Forestry:
I refer to the government's
announcement of a $50 million transition package for the native hardwood timber
industry following last week's announcement to close the industry.
(1) Did the government
undertake any consultation or modelling to determine whether $50 million was
the appropriate amount for the transition package?
(2) If yes to
(1), will the government table that document; and, if no to (1), why not?
(3) How many
businesses and jobs does the government expect to support with this package?
(4) For how long
will the $50 million allocation of funds be provided to the sector?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the member for the question
and the following information has been provided by the Minister for Forestry.
(1)–(4) The McGowan government set aside $50 million to
support workers, businesses and communities through a Just Transition plan. A native forestry
transition group will be formed to create that plan and will comprise local industry, union, government and traditional
owner stakeholders. The government has made a conscious decision not to
dictate a plan but to allow those in industry and the community most affected
to create the plan that will assist them transition over the next two years in
the most practical and useful way. There are
6 000 jobs in the entire forestry industry in WA, which includes the plantation
industry. However, o nly 500 direct jobs are linked to native forestry.
The $50 million transition plan is designed to support those affected workers, diversify local economies and
identify and secure sustainable job-creation opportunities . The funds
will be distributed in consultation with the native forestry transition group.
and the following information has been provided by the Minister for Forestry.
(1)–(4) The McGowan government set aside $50 million to
support workers, businesses and communities through a Just Transition plan. A native forestry
transition group will be formed to create that plan and will comprise local industry, union, government and traditional
owner stakeholders. The government has made a conscious decision not to
dictate a plan but to allow those in industry and the community most affected
to create the plan that will assist them transition over the next two years in
the most practical and useful way. There are
6 000 jobs in the entire forestry industry in WA, which includes the plantation
industry. However, o nly 500 direct jobs are linked to native forestry.
The $50 million transition plan is designed to support those affected workers, diversify local economies and
identify and secure sustainable job-creation opportunities . The funds
will be distributed in consultation with the native forestry transition group.
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